‘Zombies’ to Roam Key West Shore and Streets Oct. 20

28 August 2019

KEY WEST, Fla. — Known as a haven for sun-seekers, Key West might seem an unusual place for creatures of the dark to congregate — except, that is, during the annual Zombie Bike Ride. Thousands of “the bicycling dead” are to prowl the island’s Atlantic Ocean shoreline and streets Sunday, Oct. 20, during the eerie yet oddly lighthearted event.

Since its inception in 2010, the pre-Halloween ride has become a tradition that typically features visiting and local adults, kids and even a few pets. Many wear "traditional" gory zombie garb paired with scary face and body paint, while others are costumed as everything from evil clowns and skeletons to undead brides in ragged finery.

The spooky spectacle is to begin at 2 p.m. when “Zombieland” opens at Fort East Martello Museum, a reputedly haunted historic site overlooking the Atlantic Ocean at 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd.

The afternoon’s attractions include music, live mural painting, food and beverage vendors, prizes, giveaways and on-site face and body painters to help transform attendees into fearsome zombies. A Kids Zone is to offer age-appropriate activities and fun.

Often portrayed staggering through dark cemeteries, Key West’s zany zombies are to trade pedestrian power for pedal power at 6 p.m.Applauded by scores of spectators, they’ll bike down South Roosevelt Boulevard beside the Atlantic Ocean, past Higgs Beach and into Key West’s hauntingly picturesque downtown.

The unearthly antics are to culminate in the ZombieFest Street Party in the 100, 200 and 300 blocks of Key West’s famed Duval Street, with some of the fun spilling onto Greene Street.

Share on Social Media

Featured Photo

Pigeon Key, the one-time base camp for the workers that constructed Henry Flagler's Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad is both an educational center and a visitor attraction featuring a small museum that pays homage to the railroad that opened in January 1912 and ceased operations in September 1935. Flagler's original Seven Mile Bridge bisects the island on the right, while today's modern day bridge is on the left. Photo by Andy Newman/Florida Keys News Bureau)

Featured Video

What makes the Seven Mile Bridge so fascinating? For one thing, it’s one of the longest segmental bridges in the world and the centerpiece of the Florida Keys Overseas Highway that winds throughout the entire island chain.

My Account

Search

This area is reserved for members of the news media. If you qualify, please update your user profile and check the box marked "Check here to register as an accredited member of the news media". Please include any notes in the "Supporting information for media credentials" box. We will notify you of your status via e-mail in one business day.